An Armagh man accused of throwing a petrol bomb into a city centre pub, seriously injuring two patrons, has denied all charges.
John Patrick Nixon – with an address listed as Maghaberry Prison – appeared before Newry Crown Court to be arraigned on a total of eight charges.
The 39-year-old is facing two counts of attempted murder, arson endangering life with intent, throwing a petrol bomb, possessing a petrol bomb in suspicious circumstances, possessing a knife in a public place and two counts of criminal damage.
The charges relate to a series of incidents in Armagh on Monday, August 18 last year, including an alleged petrol bomb attack at the Toby Jug bar on Irish Street in which two people were reported to have suffered significant burn injuries.
Police have previously told the court that a man entered the premises, shouted “trick or treat” and threw a lit petrol bomb directly towards two people inside, at a time when children were also present in the bar.
The two counts of criminal damage relate to the alleged damage caused to a car window and property window belonging to two separate complainants.
All other matters relate to an alleged incident at The Toby Jug, Armagh on August 18, 2025.
Nixon appeared in the dock and confirmed his name and date of birth prior to the charges being put to him.
He entered a “not guilty” plea to each of the eight matters.
Defence counsel, Mr Lindsay explained that a psychiatric report has been sought for their client.
A review was scheduled for December 16.
His Honour Judge Paul Ramsey scheduled a trial date for February 1, 2027.
